Aaron Donald‘s holdout might not end anytime soon. The Rams defensive tackle could take his holdout into the regular season, league sources tell ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter (Facebook link).

One of Schefter’s sources even speculated that he could envision Donald sitting out the entire season. That would be an extreme measure, of course, but it says a lot about where negotiations are at this point in time.

Donald, 26, is slated to earn $3.225MM in 2017 and $6.892MM in 2018 through the fifth-year option. Those numbers are way below market for the player who graded as the league’s No. 1 interior defender in 2016, per Pro Football Focus. Donald may be seeking a deal that tops Ndamukong Suh‘s six-year, $114MM pact, making him the league’s highest paid defensive tackle.

An extended holdout may give Donald the leverage he needs since he still has two years of club control remaining on his contract.

I think if he sits out a full year the Rams should get another year of control on their contract. His choice not to play and get paid even if it is at substantially under his value. He signed the contract and the Rams have made a “substantial” extension offer despite the fact he is contractually obligated to play for them the next two seasons.